From the Guidelines
Osgood-Schlatter disease in adults is a condition where symptoms of the disease, which typically affects adolescents, persist into adulthood, causing inflammation and irritation at the tibial tuberosity where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone, leading to a painful bump below the knee. The provided evidence does not directly address Osgood-Schlatter disease in adults, but based on general medical knowledge, treatment for adults with persistent symptoms typically includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, physical therapy focusing on quadriceps and hamstring stretching, and occasionally corticosteroid injections for severe cases 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease in adults include:
- The importance of rest and ice in reducing inflammation and pain
- The use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to manage pain and inflammation
- The role of physical therapy in improving quadriceps and hamstring strength and flexibility
- The potential use of corticosteroid injections for severe cases
- The possibility of surgery in rare cases where a painful ossicle (bone fragment) has formed. It is essential to note that the provided evidence does not directly address Osgood-Schlatter disease, and the information provided is based on general medical knowledge. In clinical practice, a thorough evaluation and diagnosis are necessary to determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient.
From the Research
Definition and Pathophysiology of Osgood-Schlatter Disease
- Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the patellar tendon insertion on the tibial tuberosity, leading to pain and a bony prominence over the tibial tuberosity 2.
- The disease is also known as apophysitis of the tibial tubercle, and its pathophysiology is attributed to repetitive knee extensor mechanism contraction 3.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- The pain associated with OSD is typically localized to the anterior aspect of the proximal tibia over the tibial tuberosity and may be exacerbated by activities such as jumping or stair climbing 3.
- Radiological evaluation may indicate a superficial ossicle in the patellar tendon, and the disease can be diagnosed based on clinical presentation and imaging studies 3, 2.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment of OSD is usually symptomatic, and the disease is self-limiting, resolving spontaneously with skeletal maturity 3.
- However, in some cases, particularly in adults with continued symptoms, surgical treatment may be necessary if conservative treatment fails 3, 2.
- Surgical procedures for OSD include open, bursoscopic, and arthroscopic techniques, with arthroscopic surgery being beneficial due to its minimally invasive nature and ability to address concomitant intra-articular pathology 3.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Adults
- While OSD is typically a disease of adolescence, it can persist into adulthood in some cases, leading to continued symptoms and potentially requiring surgical treatment 3.
- Adults with OSD may experience pain and discomfort, particularly with activities such as kneeling, and may require treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve function 3, 2.